The Central African Republic isn't a destination you tick off a list. It's a country very few travellers have had the chance to discover, and one that has to be earned: its lush landscapes, peaceful rivers, genuine warmth and living culture are waiting for you, far from the beaten track. With FanaMbi, you don't visit the Central African Republic as a spectator: you live it, guided by a local team that knows every corner of Bangui and takes pride in making your stay safe, human and unforgettable.
Discover FanaMbiA country few travellers have seen, in the very heart of the continent. Here's what awaits you.
Put your finger on the centre of a map of Africa: that's where you are. The Central African Republic covers 623,000 km², between the equator and the Tropic of Cancer. A vast plateau between 600 and 700 metres above sea level, where the horizon seems endless.
In a few hundred kilometres, the scenery changes completely. In the north, savannahs dotted with acacias. In the south, dense, humid equatorial forest. In between, gallery forests follow the rivers like green ribbons. One country, many worlds.
In the south, the Ubangi River forms the country's natural border. Bangui lives on its banks. Dugout canoes gliding at dawn, golden evening light on the water: here, the river sets the pace.
The climate is tropical. The dry season brings clear skies and easier tracks. In the north, it lasts eight to nine months.
From May–June to October–November, the rainy season takes over: nature bursts into green and the rivers swell. In the south, the air stays warm and humid all year round.
French is spoken everywhere, but Sango is what brings conversations to life. Both are official languages. Slip in a “Bara ala” (hello) or a “Singila” (thank you) and smiles are guaranteed.
Animism, Islam and Christianity live side by side in the Central African Republic. Animism is seen as a true philosophy: it isn't celebrated in a place of worship, it is lived every day, through a bond with nature and the ancestors. Another way of seeing the world, to discover with respect.
Kanda, gozo, grilled fish: Central African cuisine is shared around a big table. And between meals, artisans open their workshops to you: carved wood, painted calabashes, weaving. Every object tells a story.
Far from the beaten track, the Central African Republic is best discovered with the people who live there. With FanaMbi, you experience it at your own pace, with a local team that knows every corner of Bangui.
Discover our tours
There are several ways to experience the Central African Republic. The tour, for an itinerary built around what you want: 10 days in Bangui, 5 days on the Boali and Mbaïki route or 3 days to Boali and the Mbéko Falls. Renting accommodation, for total independence. À la carte activities, to shape your stay your own way. Whichever you choose, we're with you from start to finish.
Here are the answers to the questions our travellers ask us most often before setting off for Bangui.
Some foreign ministries classify part of Central African territory as an area requiring vigilance. That's why our tour deliberately stays within a 100 km radius of Bangui, in areas we know perfectly well and where we ourselves regularly go with our families. Your guide welcomes you right at the airport and stays with you throughout, and you're hosted in a family home in a quiet neighbourhood.
It depends on what you book:
10-day tour: the visa is included, and we handle the paperwork with you.
Accommodation only: if you are not a CEMAC national (Central African countries), we also help you with the paperwork.
Boali-Mbaiki and Boali-Mbeko tours: the visa is at your own expense. These excursions are designed for residents, travellers passing through, or visitors already in the country.
Bangui has direct flights to Casablanca, Addis Ababa, Kigali, Douala, Yaoundé, Libreville and
Lomé: wherever you start from, one connection is usually enough. You book your flight yourself
once your stay is confirmed, and your guide meets you at M'Poko airport.
All routes by departure city
Our tours run from September to June. There are no tours in July and August. You can travel in the dry season or in the rainy season: each has its own appeal, and nature is greenest during the rainy season. We'll personally advise you on the best dates depending on the season and the experience you want to have.
Yes. You stay with a host family, in one of our houses located in Bimbo, just 30 minutes from the airport. Breakfast is included throughout your stay.
Repatriation is not included in our offer, since we are a tour guide agency. We recommend taking out travel insurance covering repatriation before you leave, and we can point you towards specialised partners if needed.
Of course. Apart from arrival and departure, the programme stays flexible: we adapt it to your pace, your wishes and how you're feeling in the moment, by staying in touch with you before and during your stay.
Yes. Our tours run for groups of 2 to 6. Travelling alone? We'll offer you a place with other travellers on the same dates to complete the group. If the minimum of 2 travellers isn't reached, we'll let you know in advance and refund you in full.
Payment is made in two instalments: 30% at booking to confirm your reservation, then the balance 2 months before departure. Other payment methods are available — get in touch with us to find out which ones suit your situation.
